Abstract [en]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of physical activity on physical capacity among graduates from upper secondary school.Relevance: Physical activity and physical fitness are important health related parameters, which both have declined the last decades. Adolescents who are about to leave compulsory school and physical education are supposed to peak regarding physical capacity. Therefore it is interesting to investigate the effect physical inactivity (according to WHO-recommendation) have on physical performance.Participants: The participants where third grade students (38 female and 61 male) from upper secondary school (18 - 20 years).Methods: International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to estimate the level of physical activity. The participants were divided, in accordance with World Health Organizations recommendations for physical activity, to A) physically inactive or B) physically active. Physical fitness was tested using the Åstrand bicycle test and functional tests of muscular strength and balance.Analysis: By Student's independent t-test, separate for females and males, differences in aerobic capacity, push-ups, grip strength, vertical jump height, sit-ups and balance, between physically inactive and active were tested.Results: Maximum oxygen uptake differed significantly between physically inactive and active males (mean ± SD: 3.0 ± 0.6 l/kg, vs. 3.6 ± 0.7 p = 0.002) and females (2.5± 0.3 l/kg, vs. 3.0 ± 0.6 p = 0.016). There was a difference among physically inactive and active males regarding push-ups (28.5 ± 7.0 vs. 37.1 ± 9.0, p < 0.001) and sit-ups (39.6 ± 19.4 vs. 59.2 ± 30.2, p = 0.010). No significant differences were found regarding vertical jump or grip strength among males, any of the muscle strength measurements among females, and balance (in any sex).Conclusions: The level of physical activity was related to aerobic capacity in both sexes, but did not seem to have the same impact on muscular fitness and balance, especially concerning the females. Since aerobic capacity is an important parameter in preventing future health problems, it is crucial to engage all adolescents in physical activity.Implications: According to this study physical activity have positive effects on aerobic capacity, without similar trend in muscle strength. Addressing strength training, as complement to aerobic training should be recommended regardless of level of physical activity performed. Therefore we see a future need for promoting and designing detailed guidelines regarding strength training for children and adolescents.